Space Diving Is the Ultimate Extreme Sport
Space diving is when a person jumps from a plane or spacecraft high enough to enter the Earth’s atmosphere. According to a 2007 article in the Telegraph out of the United Kingdom, this extreme sport will soon become a popular daredevil sport just like bungee jumping and skydiving.
In 1960 US Air Force captain Joe Kittinger jumped from an altitude of 20 miles and reached a speed of 700 miles while diving from space. Now skydiving enthusiasts want to break this record. Those who wish to engage in this extreme sport should also be aware that the risk of death is very likely and so far 22 people have died while trying to do this.
There are a few brave persons that are willing to do space diving. Daredevil Felix Baumgartner plans to achieve this goal during the summer and he wants to leap from a height of 36 kilometers above New Mexico according to the Space Exploration Network. Baumgartner also feels that with his projected victory he’ll get people interested in space diving as an extreme sport.
Because diving from low earth orbit (LEO) is an extreme form of skydiving, you should get months of training with a certified trainer who has experience in the sport. You should also purchase specialized accident insurance and life insurance because this activity is high-risk and you could suffer injuries or even death. You should also research which types of suits and other gear that’s required for space diving. Ask your instructor lots of questions and make sure you’re physically and mentally prepared before you make your first (and maybe only) attempt.
Researchers are developing an ideal suit for space divers in the future. They mentioned that the suit will contain a detachable helmet, gloves and boots and this suit will include a liquid-cooled thermal regulation system. The suit will have small gas jets to help the body adjust to weightlessness while in the Earth’s upper atmosphere and this suit will come with protection against oxygen leaks.
There are some benefits of space diving. It allows you to explore your planet in a way you can’t explore just by reading about it or watching documentaries about the planet. If you go space jumping you’re in a better place to discuss what you learned about the planet with others. Space diving allows you to take risks in life and accomplish a goal that very few people are able to do. It also tests your human abilities and mental strength in ways you never thought of.
In conclusion, space diving is a rare but potentially meaningful extreme sport. This activity isn’t for those who don’t have much experience in skydiving and it isn’t for those who are not the bravest regarding this type of sport. Space diving gives you the opportunity to actively learn about your planet and you’ll become better-rounded as a person.
